Description
We opened the doors to our Maison d’Amis des Hirondelles in July 2022. It is the perfect spot to simply relax and do nothing all day except enjoy the picturesque views across the valley with a good book or use as a base whilst exploring the delights of the Dordogne. An ideal setting for a lunch party, evening bbq or simply sip a sundowner or two.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY:
Maison d'Amis Des Hirondelles has an open plan kitchen, dining & sitting room, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms so whether you are looking for a quiet getaway for two or a holiday with family & friends, our Maison d'Amis offers you that all you need. In addition, we have a newly installed 8.5m x 4.5m inground swimming pool and extensive grounds to enjoy.
We are located in a pretty hamlet close to the village of St-Jean-de-Côle, which is one of only 156 members of Les Plus Beaux Villages, meaning "the most beautiful villages of France".
Also in St-Pierre-de-Côle, a 5 minute drive from us, you will find the local boulangerie, mini supermarket, restaurant, post office and tennis courts.
Guests have access to the whole gite, which adjoins the main house but is entirely private. We live in the main house so on hand should you have any questions.
INSIDE THE PROPERTY:
Inside Maison d’Amis des Hirondelles, you will find a large modern open plan kitchen, dining and sitting room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and plenty of outside space to enjoy with stunning scenery. Patio doors lead you out from the sitting room on to the patio and pool.
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need from a washing machine, dishwater, microwave and electric oven. We both love to cook so we have supplied you with all you should need to cook up a culinary delight! However, please do not hesitate to come and ask us for anything which might not be there. Children's crockery and cutlery are also available.
Upstairs, there are three bedrooms. The master has a king size bed, the second has a standard double and the third bedroom, has two singles and a bunk bed. All bedrooms are tastefully decorated and have plenty of wardrobe space for your clothes.
There are stunning views across the valley from both upstairs as well as the ground floor, patio, pool and garden.
Both summer & winter duvets are provided as are pillows, bed linen and towels.
A travel cot and high chair are also available.
Outside, the private patio is fully equipped with a dining table, (seating 8), rattan furniture, a Weber charcoal BBQ and numerous sun loungers plus solar and electric lighting for evening dining.
Wifi is available although please remember, we are in rural France so please do not expect super fast broadband but it does work.
There are numerous books and games for all the family. In addition, there is a smart TV with access to hundreds of French and English TV channels. A DVD player is provided upon request.
Please be advised that due to the layout of the property and its accessibility features, our accommodation may not be suitable for individuals with reduced mobility.
ACTIVITES:
On our doorstep we have access to some of the best towns, restaurants and attractions that the Dordogne has to offer and we would be delighted to give you advice and guidance on where to go during your stay. Some useful websites are:
https://www.guide-du-perigord.com/en/useful-addresses.html
https://www.francethisway.com/places/perigord-vert.php
Below are just some of our recommendations:
Food Markets
We have some of the best produce in the world and the food markets are truly worth a visit. You will find local markets on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday - all within 15-20 mins of us.
https://www.guide-du-perigord.com/en/tourism/tasting/perigord-markets.html
Chateau de Hautefort
There are numerous Chateaus here in the Dordogne however, Hautefort is one of the grandest and most elegant in the Dordogne. This is a perfect day out to indulge in history whilst rummaging in the antique shops or having lunch in the very pretty village of Hautefort. All within only 40 mins from here.
Brantôme & Bourdeilles
These two towns are located along the Dronne River, just ten minutes apart from one another, and less than a half hour from us. Each is worth a visit in its own right. They are both amazingly pretty with historical interest and a wonderful place to amble around soaking up the atmosphere or enjoying a delicious lunch sitting by the river in one of their many restaurants.
Wine Tasting
Situated just a 1 hour 30 mins from us, you will find St. Emilion – an area best known for its exceptional wine. If you want to visit a vineyard and experience the wine country of southwest France, this really is the place to go! It is also, as you would expect, another very pretty town to leisurely amble around.
Canoeing
For family fun and easy to navigate, shallow water and no rapids go to Brantôme!
For a slightly more strenuous and longer canoe with deeper water and more rapids then head over to Corgnac!
Le Velo Rail, Corgnac Sur Lisle
Approximately 20 minutes away is the Velo Rail – old railway tracks which have been converted for use with self-pedalling chariots. Really worth a trip as it is rather unique!
Golf
Golf at Périgueux. The 18 hole golf course is situated on the outskirts of Périgueux and is suitable for all levels, demanding for good players, fun for beginners. A 9-hole compact course, a chipping zone and a driving range complete the playing facilities are also available. On the banks of the Isle and the Beauronne rivers, everyone will appreciate this island of calm and greenery just 5 minutes from the historic centre of Périgueux.
Horse Riding
For the keen equestrian, we have a riding centre literally down the road. Here you can take a gentle guided ride through the paths and forests surrounding the equestrian farm and typical of Périgord Vert, by an approved instructor. Lessons are also provided for all ages and abilities.
Fresh Water Swimming
Alternatively, for those of you who enjoy freshwater swimming, we are inundated with lakes and highly recommend visiting our local swimming lake, Plan d’eau de Nantheuil.
Cycling
Cycling is big business here in France and there are many opportunities to cycle - fast & furiously or a gentle family pedal around. If you don't want to bring your own bikes, there are many places close by where you can hire them. The Flow Vélo from Thiviers offers a lovely bike ride along a disused railway line - if you're feeling very adventurous, you can cycle all the way to the island of Aix in Charente-Maritime!
RESTAURANTS
We are fortunate to have some wonderful restaurants all within a short drive from us.
Take a 10 minute drive to St-Jean-de-Côle and you will find four excellent restaurants all located within a truly picturesque setting in the heart of the village. Slightly further afield (15 minutes by car) to Brantôme, you will find a wide range of delicious restaurants to chose from. If you fancy something simpler, a pizza, burger or a traditional Périgord salad, then head to Thiviers which is also only a 15 minute drive away. If you’re happy to drive further afield, Périgueux also has many wonderful restaurants to tempt your tastebuds! Of course, we are very happy to give you our recommendations and tips.
We are also extremely fortunate to have two Michelin starred restaurants within easy reach being Le Moulin de l’Abbaye in Brantôme and Le Moulin du Roc in Champagnac-de-Belair. These are not cheap but for that special occasion, we would highly recommend them.
GETTING HERE
Limoges, Bergerac and Brive airports are all within a 1 hour 30 mins drive with Limoges being the closest. Ryanair is the main airline from these airports although Easyjet also flies from Gatwick to Limoges between March & October.
Bordeaux Airport is a 2 hour drive which is obviously a more major airport with many more international choices.
Our local train station is Négrondes which runs between Limoges and Périgueux. You can also catch a train to Thiviers to/from Limoges, Paris, Bordeaux and numerous other cities.
Calais is approximately 8-9 hours drive, depending upon your speed & route! Caen is closer and approximately 5.5 hours.
Please note that a car is essential and pets allowed upon request with an additional deposit.